Magnesium is a very abundant mineral in our body, where it performs important functions. Its deficiency can produce failures in the growth, alterations of behavior, weakness or loss of muscular control, among other alterations. Now, in a joint study carried out by different Spanish universities it has been highlighted that magnesium consumption is inversely related to mortality, in the case of adults at risk of cardiovascular disease.
The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between magnesium intake, cardiovascular disease and risk of mortality in a sample of the Mediterranean population with high cardiovascular risk, and with a high average consumption of the mineral. Participated 7.216 men and women between 55 and 80 years, who were assigned to two groups that received Mediterranean diet, supplemented with nuts or olive oil, or a control diet in which low fat consumption was advised.
After a mean follow-up of 4.8 years, there were 323 total deaths, 81 cardiovascular deaths, 130 due to cancer and 277 cardiovascular events. Once a series of variables were adjusted, the researchers observed that magnesium intake was inversely related not only to mortality from cardiovascular causes or cancer, but to all types of causes. In particular, a greater amount of magnesium in the diet produced up to a 34 percent reduction in the risk of mortality compared to those who consumed less.
With the results obtained, they concluded that the consumption of magnesium was inversely related to the risk of mortality in Mediterranean individuals with a high risk of cardiovascular disease.